Reflective Account Form: Practical Strategies in Resilience, Mindfulness and Wellbeing

What was the nature of the CPD activity and/or practice-related feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?

During a workshop on Practical Strategies in Resilience, Mindfulness, and Wellbeing, I had the opportunity to join other healthcare students, including physiotherapists, child nurses, adult nurses, and mental health nurses. The workshop featured a guest speaker who shared her experiences as a nurse, along with experiences from other nurses. We engaged in discussions about the challenges faced in nursing and explored strategies to overcome them.

What did you learn from the CPD activity and/or feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?

From this CPD activity, I gained valuable insights into the realities of nursing and the shared experiences of healthcare professionals across different specialties. The guest speaker’s stories highlighted the resilience required in nursing and the importance of maintaining wellbeing in a demanding profession. Through open discussions with my peers, I learned about the diverse challenges we may encounter in our careers and the various coping mechanisms used by experienced nurses. I also learned practical strategies for managing stress, promoting mindfulness, and prioritising self-care to enhance personal resilience and overall wellbeing.

How did you change or improve your practice as a result?

As a result of this workshop, I have become more aware of the potential challenges I may face in my nursing career and the importance of proactively addressing them. I have implemented mindfulness techniques into my daily routine, such as deep breathing exercises and brief moments of reflection, to manage stress and maintain focus. I have also made an effort to prioritise self-care activities, such as exercise, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones, to promote my own wellbeing. Additionally, I am more aware of signs of burnout and am proactive in seeking support when needed, whether through peer networks, counseling services, or other resources available to me.

How is this relevant to the Code? Select one or more themes: Prioritise people – Practise effectively – Preserve safety – Promote professionalism and trust

This learning experience is directly relevant to the Code, particularly in the following themes:

• Practise effectively: Incorporating resilience-building strategies into my practice enhances my effectiveness as a student nurse. By managing stress and maintaining wellbeing, I am better able to handle the demands of nursing, ensuring that I can perform my duties to the best of my ability.

Reflective Account: Practical Proficiency in Venepuncture and Cannulation

What was the nature of the CPD activity and/or practice-related feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?

During my simulated placement, I participated in a session focused on Practical Proficiency in Venepuncture and Cannulation. The session began with a recap of the theoretical aspects of venepuncture and cannulation. This was followed by a live demonstration by the lecturer, who performed these procedures on a mannequin. After the demonstration, we had the opportunity to practice venepuncture and cannulation on mannequins ourselves.

What did you learn from the CPD activity and/or feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?

From this CPD activity, I learned the detailed steps involved in both venepuncture and cannulation. The recap session reinforced my understanding of the anatomy of veins, the importance of aseptic technique, and the indications and contraindications for these procedures. Observing the live demonstration provided me with a visual and practical understanding of the correct techniques and common errors to avoid. Practising on mannequins allowed me to apply this knowledge, helping me develop the necessary hand-eye coordination and confidence in performing these procedures.

How did you change or improve your practice as a result?

As a result of this CPD activity, I have improved my practical skills in venepuncture and cannulation. I feel more confident in my ability to perform these procedures accurately and safely. I have also improved my understanding of the importance of patient comfort and communication during these procedures. By practising these skills in a controlled environment, I have become more proficient and am better prepared to perform them in a clinical setting, ensuring high-quality patient care.

How is this relevant to the Code?

Practise effectively: By improving my practical skills in venepuncture and cannulation allows me to practice more effectively. Being competent in these procedures ensures that I can provide accurate interventions, which are crucial in many clinical situations.

Reflective Account: Practical Skills in ECG Analysis

What was the nature of the CPD activity and/or practice-related feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?

During my simulated placement, I participated in a session focused on Practical Skills in ECG Analysis. The morning session involved learning and applying the ECG 5-step method, performing ECGs on each other, and on a mannequin. We also worked through a scenario involving a patient with a myocardial infarction, where we conducted an A-E assessment, requested an ECG, and performed an SBAR handover. The afternoon session was more theory-focused, covering the cardiac cycle and how to read various ECGs, with group work to interpret different ECG readings.

What did you learn from the CPD activity and/or feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?

From this CPD activity, I learned how to systematically approach ECG analysis using the 5-step method. This method involves assessing the rate, rhythm, P waves, PR interval, and QRS complex. Practising ECGs on classmates and mannequins helped reinforce this method and improved my technical skills in obtaining accurate ECG readings. The scenario involving a myocardial infarction patient provided practical experience in conducting an A-E assessment, recognising ECG abnormalities indicative of a myocardial infarction, and effectively using the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) communication tool. The afternoon theoretical session developed my understanding of the cardiac cycle and enhanced my ability to interpret various ECG patterns.

How did you change or improve your practice as a result?

As a result of this CPD activity, I have significantly improved my confidence and competence in performing and interpreting ECGs. I feel more confident in analysing ECGs using the 5-step method and identifying critical abnormalities. Additionally, I am more confident in my theoretical understanding of the cardiac cycle and how it relates to ECG readings, enabling me to provide better care for patients with cardiac conditions.

How is this relevant to the Code?

Preserve safety: Accurate ECG interpretation is essential for identifying life-threatening conditions like myocardial infarction. By improving my skills in this area, I can help preserve patient safety by ensuring quick and appropriate interventions.

Reflective Account: Safeguarding Adults and Children Simulated Learning

What was the nature of the CPD activity and/or practice-related feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?

During my simulated placement, I participated in a session on Safeguarding Adults and Children. The session included both nursing and physiotherapy students, allowing us to learn about each other’s roles. We engaged in simulation practice, observing scenarios involving home visits by physiotherapy and nursing students. These scenarios provided a comprehensive view of the roles and responsibilities in community settings and showed us the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

What did you learn from the CPD activity and/or feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?

From this CPD activity, I gained a deeper understanding of the roles of physiotherapists and community nurses. Observing the interactions between students and patients in the scenarios helped me appreciate how different healthcare professionals collaborate to provide comprehensive care. I learned to observe and assess the patient’s environment, behaviour, appearance, and body language to identify any safeguarding concerns. The discussions and feedback sessions emphasised the importance of recognising signs of abuse or neglect and knowing the appropriate referral processes to ensure patient safety and well-being.

How did you change or improve your practice as a result?

As a result of this CPD activity, I have improved my ability to identify and respond to safeguarding issues. I am more alert in observing not just the clinical aspects of a patient’s condition, but also their social and environmental context. I have learned to take comprehensive notes and provide constructive feedback to colleagues, enhancing my collaborative skills. Furthermore, I am now more confident in making referrals to appropriate services when safeguarding concerns arise, ensuring that both adult and child patients receive the necessary support.

How is this relevant to the Code?

Recognising and addressing safeguarding issues directly contributes to preserving patient safety. By being alert and responsive to signs of abuse or neglect, I can help prevent harm and ensure that patients are cared for in a safe environment.

Reflective Account: Speech and Language Simulated Practice

What was the nature of the CPD activity and/or practice-related feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?

During my simulated placement, I participated in a speech and language simulated practice session that included both nursing and physiotherapy students. This session focused on understanding the role of speech and language therapists, the various language barriers patients may face, and effective communication strategies. We engaged in group discussions to share our experiences with patients who had communication difficulties and discussed the strategies we used to overcome these barriers.

What did you learn from the CPD activity and/or feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?

From this CPD activity, I gained valuable insights into the role of speech and language therapists and the importance of their work in patient care. I learned about different language barriers that can affect communication, such as linguistic differences, cognitive impairments, and physical conditions affecting speech. The session highlighted various communication methods, including the use of interpreters, visual aids like pictures, body language, and basic sign language. The group discussions provided real-world examples and practical tips on how to effectively communicate with patients facing these challenges.

How did you change or improve your practice as a result?

This experience has significantly enhanced my communication skills, particularly in dealing with patients who have language barriers. I now feel more confident in identifying and addressing communication issues. I am more knowledgeable at using alternative communication methods, such as visual aids and body language, to ensure that patients understand the information being conveyed. These improvements have made me more effective in delivering patient-centered care, ensuring that all patients, regardless of their communication abilities, receive the attention and care they need.

How is this relevant to the Code?

Prioritise people: By improving my ability to communicate with patients facing language barriers, I can prioritise their needs and provide more inclusive and respectful care. This ensures that all patients feel heard and understood, which is essential for their overall well-being.

Reflective Account: Wound Care Simulated Practice Learning

What was the nature of the CPD activity and/or practice-related feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?

During my simulated placement, I participated in a comprehensive wound care session. This included hands-on practice and theoretical learning about various types of wound dressings, their specific uses, and the types of wounds they are most suitable for. Additionally, I was introduced to different wound assessment tools, and I had the opportunity to practice wrapping a wound dressing on a simulated leg.

What did you learn from the CPD activity and/or feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?

From this simulated learning experience, I learned about the different types of wound dressings, such as hydrocolloids, hydrogels, foam dressings, and alginates, among others. Each type of dressing has its unique properties and is suitable for different wound conditions. For example, hydrocolloids are good for wounds with low to moderate exudate, while alginates are more appropriate for heavily exuding wounds. I also learned how to assess wounds using tools like the TIME framework (Tissue, Infection/Inflammation, Moisture balance, Edge of the wound), which helps in making informed decisions about wound care. Moreover, practicing how to properly wrap a wound dressing on a leg enhanced my practical skills and confidence in performing this task.

How did you change or improve your practice as a result?

As a result of this CPD activity, I have significantly improved my understanding and approach to wound care. I am now more knowledgeable about selecting the appropriate dressing for different types of wounds and better equipped to assess wounds accurately. This experience has enhanced my practical skills in wound dressing, making me more competent and confident in providing effective wound care to patients. I have also learned the importance of continuously assessing and re-evaluating wounds to ensure the chosen treatment remains effective and to adjust the care plan as needed.

How is this relevant to the Code?

Gaining a deeper understanding of wound assessment tools and dressing types allows me to practice more effectively. I can make informed decisions and apply the most suitable treatments, leading to better patient outcomes.